France’s TF6 station has installed Swift vTX from Softel to handle subtitle processing for the channel’s mix of original entertainment, drama and feature films. Swift vTX is handling subtitle encoding and transcoding for TF6’s file-based workflow in its Paris studios. “A key element of our migration to a file-based workflow was to be able to meet demand of subtitled content for hard of hearing viewers,” said Nicolas Viault, technical director for TF6. “The solution we chose had to fit into our fully file-based workflow and integrate smoothly with our Harmonic Omneon video servers and our MBT asset management system. Softel was very responsive, and Swift vTX met all our technical criteria. We were very satisfied with the service Softel provided, delivering a cost-effective and highly efficient solution within tight project deadlines.” TF6 is using Swift vTX to encode closed (Teletext) subtitles to MXF assets as SMPTE 436M tracks as HD and SD assets via the same workflow. The system generates a 436M track if assets arrive without one, to allow for standardised archiving into TF6‘s MBT MAM system and to aide faster processing directly on the Omneon platform. Additional SD support is provided with the ability to add VBI data directly to the video essence. “Swift vTX has been specifically designed to provide the flexibility needed in complex file-based workflows that most broadcasters are using today,” said Sam Pemberton, Softel’s president. “The built-in support for an array of files, wrappers and playout formats means it readily integrates with TF6’s environment. Our work with leading video server manufacturers has enabled us to simplify the overall subtitle process and reduce operational costs and we are delighted to have been selected by TF6.” www.softelgroup.com
